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Before Starting Engine
Work Site Precautions
Before starting operations, thoroughly check the area for any unusual conditions that could be dangerous. Check the terrain and condition of the ground at the work site, and determine the best and safest method of operation. Make the ground surface as hard and horizontal as possible before carrying out operations. If there is a lot of dust and sand on the work site, spray water before starting operations. If you need to operate on a street, protect pedestrians and cars by designating a person for work site traffic duty or by erecting fences and posting "No Entry" signs around the work site. Erect fences, post "No Entry" signs, and take other steps to prevent people from coming close to or entering the work site. If people come close to a moving machine, they may be hit or caught by the machine, and this may lead to serious personal injury or death. Water lines, gas lines, phone lines and high voltage electrical lines may be buried under the work site. Contact each utility and identify their locations. Be careful not to damage or cut any of these lines.
Check the condition of the river bed, and the depth and flow of the water before operating in water or crossing a river. NEVER be in water that is in excess of the permissible water depth. Any type of object in the vicinity of the boom could represent a potential hazard, or cause the operator to react suddenly and cause an accident. Use a spotter or signal person working near bridges, phone lines, work site scaffolds, or other obstructions.
Minimum levels of insurance coverage, work permits or certification, physical barriers around the work site or restricted hours of operation may be mandated by governing authorities. There may also be regulations, guidelines, standards or restrictions on equipment that may have to be followed for local requirements. There may also be regulations related to performing certain kinds of work. If there is any question about whether your machine and work site complies with the applicable standards and regulations contact your local authorities and agencies. Avoid entering soft ground. It will be difficult for the machine to escape. Avoid operating your machine to close to the edge of cliffs, overhangs, and deep ditches. The ground may be weak in such
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areas. If the ground should collapse, the machine could fall or tip over and this could result in serious injury or death. Remember that the soil after heavy rain, blasting or after earthquakes, is weakened in these areas. Earth laid on the ground and the soil near ditches is loose. It can collapse under the weight of vibration of your machine and cause your machine to tip over. Install the head guard (FOPS) if working in areas where there is danger of falling rocks.
Checks Before Starting Engine
Every day before starting the engine for the first time, carry out the following checks. If these checks are not carried out properly, there is danger of serious injury. Completely remove all wood chips, leaves, grass, paper and other flammable materials accumulated in the engine compartment and around the battery. They could cause a fire. Remove any dirt from the window glass, mirrors, handrails, and steps. Do not leave tools or spare parts laying around in the operator's compartment. The vibration of the machine when traveling or during operations may cause them to fall and damage or break the control levers or switches. They may also get caught in the gap of the control levers and cause the work equipment to malfunction or move dangerously. This may lead to unexpected accidents. Check the coolant level, fuel level, and hydraulic tank oil level, and check for clogged air cleaner and damage to the electrical wiring. Adjust the operator's seat to a position where it is easy to operate the machine, and check the seat belt and mounts for damage and wear. Check the operation of the gauges and the angle of the mirrors, and check that the safety lever is in "LOCKED" position. If any abnormalities are found in the above checks, carry out repairs immediately.
Engine Starting
Walk around your machine before getting in the operator's cabin. Look for evidence of leaking fluid, loose fasteners, misaligned assemblies or any other indications of possible equipment hazard. All equipment covers and machinery safety guards must be in place, to protect against injury while the machine is being operated.
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Look around the work site area for potential hazards, people or properly that could be at risk while operation is in progress. NEVER start the engine if there is any indication that maintenance or service work is in progress, or if a warning tag is attached to controls in the cabin. A machine that has not been used recently, or is being operated in extremely cold temperatures, could require a warm-up or maintenance service before start-up. Check gauges and monitor displays for normal operation before starting the engine. Listen for unusual noises and remain alert for other potentially hazardous conditions at the start of the work cycle. Do not short circuit the starting motor to start the engine. This is not only dangerous, but may also damage the machine. When starting the engine, sound the horn as an alert. Start and operate the machine only while seated.
Before Operating Machine
If checks are not carried out properly after starting the engine, it may result in a delay in discovering abnormalities in the machine, and this may lead to personal injury or damage to the machine. Carry out the checks in an open area where there are no obstructions. Do not let anyone near the machine when carrying out the checks. • Check the operating condition of the equipment, and the actuation of the bucket, arm, boom, travel, and swing systems. • Check the machine for any abnormal noise, vibration, heat, smell, or abnormality with the gauges. Check also for leakage of air, oil, and fuel. • If any abnormality is found, repair the problem immediately. If the machine is used without repairing the problems, it may lead to unexpected injury or failure. • Clear all personnel from directly around machine and from the area. • Clear all obstacles from the machine's path. Beware of hazards. • Be sure that all windows are clean. Secure the doors and the windows in the open position or in the shut position. • Adjust the rear view mirrors for best visibility close to the machine. Make sure that the horn, the travel alarm (if equipped), and all other warning devices are working properly. • Fasten the seat belt securely.
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• Warm up the engine and hydraulic oil before operating machine. • Before moving the machine, check the position of undercarriage. The normal travel position is with idler wheels to the front under the cabin and the drive sprockets to the rear. When the undercarriage is in the reversed position, the travel controls must be operated in opposite directions.
